Archie with his mum Jessica Philbrick and Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, Mary Bayliss

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Twelve-year-old Archie Stevenson from Sonning Common proudly collected an award last week in memory of his grandfather who was shot by three IRA gunmen while serving in the British Army.

The Shiplake College pupil, from Grove Road, was among the relatives from four families presented with the Elizabeth Cross by The Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire Mary Bayliss at Arborfield Garrison.

His grandfather, Lieutenant Colonel John Stevenson, 53, was serving as a Commanding Officer of the All Arms Training Area in Otterburn, Northumberland, when he was killed on April 8, 1974.

He was married and had a stepson Peter and a son Gavin, Archie’s father, who also served in the Royal Artillery before becoming a gardener and died in 2009 with the cause of death unknown.

Archie said: “My granddad was killed by the IRA and my dad died last year so I was the only one who could come and collect it. I am proud and happy that people have recognised people have died.”

Lt Col Stevenson was commissioned into the Royal Artillery in December 1939 and saw active service in the UK and other countries including Germany and Africa.

He was part of the British Expeditionary Force during the Second World War and was captured by the Germans in June 1940 and remained a prisoner of war until May 1945. He was later awarded the 1939-45 Star and the War Medal 1939-45.

Archie’s mum Jessica Philbrick, 46, said: “It has been an emotional day, not just to hear about Archie’s granddad and what happened to him, but all the other people that have been here today.

“He would be proud that he has been recognised.”

Mrs Bayliss paid tribute to the “quality, dedication and professionalism of all our armed forces and what their families and supporters are asked to put up with in the process”.